Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is commonly known, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, known for its potentially calming effects without the high associated with its counterpart, THC. As interest in cannabidiol and the benefits of CBD continues to soar, more people are turning to it as a way to help find stress relief and relaxation and even to manage chronic pain.
Among the most popular ways to consume CBD are edibles. CBD edibles are ingestible forms of CBD that come in various tasty treat varieties, including CBD gummies, chocolates, cookies, and more. These edible forms provide a convenient and enjoyable way to incorporate CBD into a daily routine, offering a discreet and long-lasting effect.
In this guide, we’ll explore CBD edibles’ effectiveness for relaxation. We’ll look at how they work within the body, their efficacy, and their dosage. If you’re ready to try high-quality CBD edibles, discover our hand-picked range, available for fast delivery.
What are CBD edibles?
Simply put, CBD edibles are food products infused with CBD oil or CBD isolate, which can be eaten by users to get their dose of Cannabidiol. They come in various forms – with a wide range of strengths and flavours – including:
- CBD gummies
- CBD chocolates
- CBD cookies
- CBD brownies
- CBD beverages (CBD tea)
Unlike THC-rich products, CBD edibles are designed to offer the potential benefits of CBD without psychoactive effects. This makes them a popular choice for people looking to incorporate the therapeutic properties of CBD into their routine without experiencing a high.
CBD edibles have many benefits that make them so sought after. They’re a delicious and discreet way of consuming Cannabidiol and can potentially offer effects including relaxation, pain relief and pain management, and reduced anxiety. Unlike their inhalable or topical counterparts, edibles offer a unique and palatable way to consume CBD and easy dosage control.
How is CBD infused into edibles?
Infusing CBD into edibles involves incorporating CBD extract into a consumable food product. It starts with extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, often using methods like CO2 extraction, which ensures purity and potency. The extracted CBD is then mixed into food items during the preparation or cooking process. Manufacturers carefully measure the CBD dosage to ensure consistency and accuracy in the potency of the final product.
Advantages of consuming CBD through edibles
When seeking the potential benefits of CBD, such as relaxation, chronic pain relief, or a wellness boost, CBD edibles might just be the solution many are looking for. Here are some of the main reasons people choose edibles over other CBD products:
- Discretion and ease of use: CBD edibles offer a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD. They look just like regular snacks or treats, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption without drawing attention.
- Long-lasting effects: When you consume CBD edibles, the CBD is released slowly as the food is digested, leading to a longer duration of effects compared to other methods, such as inhalation.
- Precise dosage: Edibles are often portioned with a specific amount of CBD per piece, simplifying dosage control. Consumers can easily keep track of how much CBD they ingest.
- Taste and variety: CBD edibles come in a wide range of flavours and types, catering to different taste preferences. This variety makes it enjoyable to incorporate CBD into your daily regimen.
- Gentle on the lungs: For individuals who prefer not to inhale substances or those with respiratory issues, edibles provide a safe and lung-friendly alternative.
Whilst it depends on the retailer, edibles such as CBD gummies are also often very affordable and require no additional kit or equipment to consume.
The science behind CBD and relaxation
At the core of CBD’s interaction with the body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters integral to maintaining physiological balance. The ECS consists of two primary receptor types, CB1 and CB2. Unlike THC, which binds directly to these receptors, CBD does not bind strongly to these receptors but instead influences them indirectly. It modulates and enhances the ECS’s ability to function efficiently, in turn affecting various body systems indirectly through a range of pathways.
The endocannabinoid system’s primary role is to maintain homeostasis, or balance, within the body. CBD is believed to enhance the ECS’s ability to regulate key physiological processes that affect relaxation and anxiety. It might also increase the body’s levels of naturally produced endocannabinoids, interact with serotonin receptors, and modulate GABA activity, all of which are crucial in regulating mood and stress levels.
Promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety
Several studies suggest that CBD use may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This is partly due to its potential effects on brain receptors responsible for mood regulation, such as the serotonin 5HT1A receptor. By interacting with these receptors, CBD is thought to elicit a calming effect, thereby reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a state of relaxation.
CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties might also contribute to its overall calming effects, as inflammation and oxidative stress are often associated with anxiety disorders. CBD might help create a more favourable environment for relaxation and mental well-being by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
While the exact mechanisms of CBD’s action on relaxation and anxiety are still being studied, these interactions help explain how CBD might aid in reducing anxiety and promoting a more relaxed state, however more research is needed.
Are CBD edibles effective for relaxation?
Apart from the scientific research suggesting that CBD promotes relaxation, users widely report that it is effective for relaxation. This anecdotal evidence and personal stories suggest that many people who use CBD edibles, like CBD gummies, experience a reduction in anxiety and can feel a sense of calm and well-being. Testimonials frequently mention improvements in overall mood, better stress management, and enhanced quality of sleep.
However, further research is needed, and it’s important to note that the effectiveness of CBD edibles can vary from person to person due to factors like individual body chemistry, the quality and dosage of the product, and personal health conditions. As with any dietary supplements or medication, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting, especially for people with existing health issues or who are taking certain medications.
Time frame and duration
The onset and duration of potential effects from taking CBD edibles can vary significantly from person to person and will determine whether they are the right product for you to try when you’re seeking relaxation. Generally, edibles take longer to start working compared to other forms of CBD, like oils or vapes, as they must be digested and metabolised. Users might start feeling the effects anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption.
Once the effects set in, they tend to last longer than other methods — often several hours — due to the slow and steady absorption of CBD from the digestive tract. This prolonged effect can be particularly beneficial for sustained relaxation throughout the day or for a restful night’s sleep.
While individual experiences with CBD edibles can vary, many users find them to be an effective tool for relaxation. The combination of scientific research and anecdotal reports contributes to a growing understanding of how CBD edibles might help ease anxiety and promote calmness.
CBD edibles vs other CBD products for relaxation
When comparing CBD edibles to other CBD products for relaxation, various aspects must be considered, including the method of consumption, onset time, duration of effects, bioavailability, dosage control, and individual preferences and needs.
CBD edibles for relaxation
As discussed, CBD edibles offer a convenient, discreet, and enjoyable way to consume CBD, especially for those who may not like the taste of CBD oil or the act of vaping. The ritual of eating something tasty can itself be a relaxing experience, adding to the overall calming effect.
Edibles take longer to kick in than other CBD products because they pass through the digestive system. Effects are usually felt within 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, the advantage is that the effects last longer than other methods. This prolonged release can provide a steady sense of relaxation over several hours, making edibles particularly beneficial for sustained relief, such as managing daily stress or aiding with a full night’s sleep.
Edibles are pre-dosed, which takes the guesswork out of figuring out how much CBD you’re consuming. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals new to CBD or those who want to ensure a consistent dosage each time.
Other CBD products for relaxation
CBD oils and tinctures: These are typically administered sublingually and absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under the tongue. This method allows for a quicker onset, often within minutes, and a higher bioavailability than edibles. For those seeking immediate relief from acute stress or anxiety episodes, oils and tinctures might be more effective. However, they may require more effort to measure out doses and have a shorter duration of effect.
CBD vapes: Inhaling CBD provides the quickest onset of effects, often within minutes, as it’s absorbed directly through the lungs into the bloodstream. This can be ideal for sudden stress or anxiety relief. However, the effects are typically shorter-lived than edibles, and vaping isn’t suitable or preferred by everyone, especially those with respiratory issues or concerns about the health impacts of vaping.
CBD topicals: While topicals are generally used for localised pain or skin conditions, some people might find them relaxing, especially products designed for massage or containing other calming ingredients like lavender or chamomile. However, they don’t provide the systemic relaxation effects that edibles, oils, or vapes offer.
Choosing between CBD edibles and other CBD products for relaxation depends on individual needs, preferences, and situations. Edibles are favoured for their ease of use, enjoyable consumption, dosage precision, and long-lasting effects, making them suitable for ongoing stress management and sleep improvement.
In contrast, oils, tinctures, and vapes might be preferred for their quicker onset and higher bioavailability, suitable for immediate relief. As with any supplement or health product, starting with a low dose is crucial to see how your body reacts and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage and safety considerations
When it comes to using CBD edibles for relaxation, understanding the appropriate dosage and being aware of safety considerations are crucial for a positive and beneficial experience. Here’s some guidance on determining the right dosage and addressing safety concerns:
Determining the right dosage
Start low and go slow: The mantra for beginning with CBD edibles is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it. Since edibles’ effects can last longer, it’s important to understand how you react to a small dose and what is an effective dose for you before consuming more.
Potency: Check the amount of CBD per serving on the product label. Dosages can vary widely between different edibles, so knowing the exact milligram of CBD you’re ingesting is important.
Consider your personal factors: The right dosage can depend on several factors, including your body weight, metabolism, the nature of the relaxation needed, and your overall health. What works for one person might not work for another.
Safety and side effects
Potential side effects: While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some people might experience adverse effects, especially at higher doses. These can include dry mouth, drowsiness, changes in appetite, or digestive discomfort.
Gradual increase: If you don’t feel the desired relaxation effects after the initial low dose, you can gradually increase the amount of CBD. However, this should be done cautiously over several days or weeks, not immediately.
Quality matters: Ensure you’re using high-quality CBD edibles from reputable sources. Quality can significantly affect the efficacy and safety of a CBD product.
Legal and regulatory compliance: Make sure that the CBD edibles you are using comply with local laws and regulations regarding CBD content, especially the permissible THC levels.
Avoid mixing with other substances: Be cautious about mixing CBD with alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances that can alter mood or cognitive function. Such combinations can potentially lead to adverse effects.
Always remember that personal experience can vary, and staying informed and cautious is key to a positive CBD journey, whichever CBD products you decide to try.
Contact The CBD Flower Shop
At The CBD Flower Shop, we offer an incredible range of premium CBD edibles and a wider range of hemp-derived CBD products in our online store and at our shop in Bournemouth. We’re proud to offer tasty edibles, like our CBD gummies, and you can buy from us in total confidence that you’re getting great value, high-quality products. For more information on any CBD product in our range, get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to help.
If you’re new to The CBD Flower Shop, check out some of our recent reviews to learn more about the excellent products and customer service you can expect from us.
Rated 5 out of 5
Good customer service. When i buy something and get freebies you get a 5 star review.
Ajay
3 weeks ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Mr London
1 month ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Amazing store amazing prices staff really friendly would recommend this place to anyone in the area good selection of cbd and the flavours are next to none
I have been using…
Tubby Tv
1 month ago
Rated 5 out of 5
Very good service, good variety of flower. Delivery was fast, even put a free gift inside my order which wasn’t expected so thank you for that I appreciate the thought….
Darren E
2 months ago
Rated 5 out of 5
I’ve always received an excellent service from this company and the products are excellent. Highly recommend
Julie Francis
2 months ago